Think twice

Wednesday

Jan 8, 2014 at 6:00 AM

The recent performance of selectmen in Sterling can be summed up simply: Not so sterling.

The office of state Attorney General Martha Coakley has found selectmen violated the Open Meeting Law in a variety of ways, including failure to post adequate notice of meetings, improper discussions and votes during executive sessions, and deliberating outside of meetings.

Board members have been ordered to attend training sessions or watch online videos about the law, and certify that they have done so within 30 days.

The ruling by Assistant Attorney General Amy L. Nable noted that selectmen failed to provide enough information about the topic of an executive session, improperly executed key contracts — for the town administrator, police chief, and police dispatchers union — in executive session, and in another case used email and in-person discussions outside of public meeting times to create a letter to the editor.

These violations are just the latest in a long string of similar missteps by officials in Massachusetts. It is both puzzling and dismaying that the very individuals who care most deeply about their communities and step forward to run for office so often fail to properly implement a law that is written clearly, is relatively easy to apply, and whose exceptions are clearly spelled out.

Moreover, public officials have a wealth of resources to draw upon whenever in doubt, from experienced political gadflies and watchdogs, to town clerks, town moderators, and former board members, up to their town counsel and, if necessary, the office of the Attorney General.

There is little or no excuse for such continuing violations in local government. Citizens can and will remain vigilant, pointing out violations whenever they occur, and state authorities can and will continue to issue reports.

But the penalties for violating principles of transparency in government often cannot repair the damage done to the credibility of governance. We urge cities and towns to take a proactive approach, sending both experienced and newly elected officials to seminars and training sessions on a regular basis.

Local government in Massachusetts is generally well run and effective. Training public servants to think twice before they act — and seek solid advice when in doubt — is a good way to ensure that it remains so.